Delhi government announces holiday on Chhath Puja
Chhath puja is celebrated on the sixth day after Diwali and is dedicated to the Sun God.
The Delhi government on Monday declared a public holiday on the occasion of Chhath puja on October 26, a government official said.
“Offices will remain closed on October 26 to mark Chhath puja. A notification in this connection will be issued very soon,” the official said, adding that the Aam Aadmi Party government was the first to announce a public holiday on Chhath puja when it came to power in 2015.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Chhath puja celebrations beginning Tuesday, the Delhi development minister Gopal Rai visited Shyam ghat at Jagatpur in Wazirabad on Monday to take stock of the preparations. He directed the revenue department to ensure amenities like tents, medical facilities, lighting arrangements, CCTVs, toilets and potable water are available at the ghats for the convenience of the devotees.
“This year, Chhath puja is being observed at 565 places while last year it was organised at 268 ghats only. The government had earlier constructed 50 permanent (pucca) ghats for Chhath Puja celebrations,” said a statement from the government.
Rai also directed the irrigation and flood control department to install notice boards to inform the devotees about the depth of the water at every ghat.
Chhath puja is celebrated on the sixth day after Diwali and is dedicated to the Sun God. It is one of the most popular festivals in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.